Experts have discussed how we might respond to a signal from space and now associate professor in linguistics Jessica Coon has lifted the lid on how we could talk to so-called aliens if they land on our planet.

“When you're dealing with learning a new language, context plays a big role in understanding intent”

Jessica Coon

She said: "When you're dealing with learning a new language, context plays a big role in understanding intent."

Human communications have patterns ­ and we are able to work out what people mean from the context, she explained.

But talking to "aliens" may not turn out to be straight forward, the expert warned.

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Notable People That Have Seen UFOs or Know of Their Existence

Saturday, 24th September 2016

According to these celebrities, aliens and UFOs are among us.

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William Shatner: is a UFO believer, saying, 'There is no doubt that there is life out there; the mathematics of it lead you to that absolute conclusion. In my mind, there is no doubt that the universe teems - with life in all its form'